Brigham Young University. Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behavior

The Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behavior was established in 1976. The Institute served as the experimental arm of the Comprehensive Clinic. The Institute was also allied with the Department of Psychology. The Institute was also closely tied to LDS Social Services. The Institute closed its doors in 1985. Directors included Allen E. Bergin (1976-1978) and Victor L. Brown Jr. (1978-1985), with Robert K. Thomas sometimes serving as Acting Director.

Variant Names

Brigham Young University. Values Institute

Description

Established: 1976

Abolished: 1985

Location: Provo, Utah (1976-1985)

Functions

The Institute was established to study the intersection of religion/spirituality and mental health within an LDS doctrinal perspective. The Institute worked in conjunction with the Comprehensive Clinic as a laboratory for experimentation in psychotherapy as a means of behavioral change. It worked to develop an institutional approach to therapy in coordination with Church ecclesiastical leadership. The Institute also worked to produce scholarly papers, present at symposiums and conventions, and conduct field research.

Assets and Administrative Structure

The Institute was headed by a director. It was under Brigham Young University and reported to a supervisory board. The supervisory board was comprised of General Authorities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including the university President, the university's Academic Vice President, the Commissioner for LDS Social Services, and the university's Assistant Academic Vice President for Research. The Director of the Institute would also serve on the Comprehensive Clinic's advisory committee.

Associated Units

Superior unit: Brigham Young University (1976-1985)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Dept. of Psychology (1976-1985)

Associated unit: Brigham Young University. Comprehensive Clinic (1976-1985)

Associated Archival Materials

Allen E. Bergin papers (MSS 2391)

Seventh East Press Collection (UA 609, Bx 2, Fol 4-5)

Sources

Allen E. Bergin papers (MSS 2391), 1954-2002: box 12 folder 13 (inception and abolition dates; director Allen Bergin; relationship to University, LDS Social Services, and Comprehensive Clinic) box 13 folder 1 (Institute functions)

Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, Spring 1999: p. 167 (Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behavior) p. 168 (institute created at BYU as research arm of LDS Social Services; est. Sept. 18, 1976; Allen E. Bergin, director; goals included theory project, technique project, social statistics project, and pathology project) p. 165 (advocated for therapy to be conducted is cooperation with priesthood authority) p. 168 (Victor L. Brown Jr. became director in 1978; institute dissolved in 1982)

Maintenance Information

Record ID: EAC-2010-00372

Creator: ARC